How Some Women Won’T Confine Themselves To The Care Work Expected Of Them | Dw News

Unleash Your Creative Genius with MuseMind: Your AI-Powered Content Creation Copilot. Try now! 🚀

In Ghana, as in many parts of the world, certain jobs are perceived as gender-specific. Bricklaying and vehicle repair are often considered men's jobs, while tailoring and hairdressing are stereotypically assigned to women. However, in the city of Tamale in the northern part of Ghana, a remarkable woman named Aisha is breaking the mold and laying the foundations for her future, brick by brick.

Aisha, a lone woman bricklayer, stands determined amidst a team of men, skillfully building walls for their clients. Her choice of career is intentional and unconventional. She's forging her path in the male-dominated world of bricklaying, shattering societal norms and expectations.

Challenging the Norms

Breaking into the field of building hasn't been an easy journey for Aisha. The percentage of women bricklayers in Northern Ghana is close to zero, making her one of the very few female pioneers in this industry. Even her family and friends were initially hostile towards her choice, and her job nearly cost her marriage. As we sit down to talk, Aisha gets emotional, sharing the struggles she's faced, "I nearly divorced because of this work. For now, I have two kids, and I can afford to pay their school fees since my husband is not working. I'm able to provide for them."

Living in a patriarchal society like Ghana, Aisha is fighting a solitary battle against the entrenched idea of women being confined to the kitchen and child-rearing. Her presence in the construction industry is nothing short of trailblazing, inspiring hope for many others. Aisha's career in bricklaying is a trailblazing effort, as she's determined to rewrite her story in a universe of communities that still hold rigid gender roles.

Empowering Lives

Despite the numerous challenges she faces, Aisha's journey as a bricklayer has proven to be truly life-changing. She's been able to save money and even buy a plot of land for herself. Aisha has her eyes set on the future, with plans to build her own house one day, a testament to her resilience and determination. "I'm planning to build a house on it one day, and I can tell a story," she shares with optimism.

But Aisha's aspirations go beyond her personal success. She wants to inspire other young women to step out of their comfort zones and start building their own unique stories. Aisha's journey is a beacon of hope for women in Ghana and beyond, challenging the status quo and proving that passion and determination can pave the way for a brighter future.

Vanessa Suarez: Punching Through Gender Stereotypes

Over in Cape Verde, the sport of boxing has long been dominated by men, but a young champion named Vanessa Suarez is determined to change that narrative. With a fierce spirit and an unyielding dedication to her craft, she's challenging the stigma and prejudice that still plagues female boxers in her country.

The Journey to the Ring

Vanessa's journey into the world of boxing began a decade ago when she was still in school. She found herself a victim of bullying, enduring the cruelty of her classmates. In her quest for self-defense and self-confidence, she turned to the sport of boxing. She believed that by learning to box, she could stand up against the abuse she faced at school.

Boxing was the turning point in Vanessa's life. It transformed her from a bullied girl into a confident young woman. Her self-esteem soared to new heights, and she found in boxing not just a sport but a way of life. "For me, boxing is everything; it's life," she declares with unwavering passion.

A Fighter in and Out of the Ring

Vanessa's journey didn't stop with her initial boxing training. She started participating in local, regional, and national competitions. In 2015, she became the runner-up in Cape Verde's women's boxing championship in the 52-kilogram class. Her career in boxing brought her a collection of well-deserved medals.

Even after becoming a mother, Vanessa didn't step away from the sport. Instead, she turned her attention to teaching boxing to other women. Her mission is clear – to instill the strength she found in herself into other women. "I started training women because I was often a victim of gender-based violence. I want to put a stop to violence against women," Vanessa explains passionately.

Vanessa Suarez continues to fight not only in the boxing ring but against the deeply ingrained machismo in Cape Verde. Every day, she's punching through gender stereotypes, one blow at a time, determined to bring about a change in her community. She serves as an inspiration to all, a living testament to the transformative power of determination and resilience.

In a world where gender stereotypes continue to persist, Aisha and Vanessa are shining examples of what can be achieved when one dares to defy convention. Their journeys remind us that with unwavering passion, determination, and a willingness to challenge the norms, we can break free from the shackles of societal expectations and write our own stories of empowerment and change.

Watch full video here ↪
How some women won’t confine themselves to the care work expected of them | DW News
Related Recaps